Bulgarian PM takes EU leaders to border with Turkey

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borrisov welcomed the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel at Kapitan Petko Voivoda border checkpoint, from where they went for an aerial inspection of the south border, where the Bulgarian, Turkish and Greek borders intersect, the government press office said on March 3.

"We are here in the triangle between the three countries - Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey," Prime Minister Borissov told Ursula von del Layen and Charles Michel. Borissov put an emphasis on the infrastructure that is being built thanks to European solidarity, as well as the energy projects the country is working on.

The PM also drew attention to the agreement reached earlier today with Gazprom. "Thanks to the very good negotiations and the help of the European Commission, we have reached 40% lower price of natural gas," Borissov added.

"The whole region is booming. A lot of tourists are coming," the Bulgarian Prime Minister noted. In his words, it is important to be sensible and find a solution to the problems in the region. "The truth is in a political and diplomatic decision. Otherwise, we are extremely well prepared for years, but diplomacy comes first," Borissov said.

During the helicopter flight, Prime Minister Borissov personally familiarized the European leaders with the enormous responsibility Bulgaria has, maintaining a high level of security at the EU's external border. Migration is a topic of priority for Bulgaria, given the country’s geographical location. What has been achieved over the years is due both to measures taken at national level and to good cooperation with neighbouring third countries, he said.

"My tactics are for good neighbourly relations and peace. Conflict in the region would mean less investment, less growth, less tourism and worried people," Prime Minister Borissov told reporters at the border.

He emphasized the prudent policy pursued by the Bulgarian government. "We work quietly, disciplined, reasonably. We do not work against our neighbours, I think this is highly valued in Europe," Borissov noted.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasized to his counterparts in Europe the importance of dialogue and joint efforts to solve problems in the region. According to him, the balance between solidarity and responsibility, as well as taking into account the specifics of individual countries, is crucial.